Saturday, April 28, 2012

A video was released this week on youtube which shows, in full 1080p glory, a promo for the upcoming Blu-ray release of Macross: Do You Remember Love? After watching I am absolutely ecstatic. The transfer looks gorgeous and it also has a music video of sorts for the title song showing a generous amount of the film in HD. The video also goes into detail on everything that is included in the set from the booklets and film clip included, to the Flashback film and the PS3 game and even though its all in Japanese one can easily figure out and gawk at the goodies included. Again, its being released July 26th, so if you're a dedicated fan (like I am) don't hesitate to consider getting a piece of the action!

Thursday, April 19, 2012

With his inimitable voice, unmistakable charm, and implausibly varied acting career in film, television, and animation, Tim Curry is always a hoot to watch. After being launched into the public eye with The Rocky Horror Picture Show (a film he said distracted attention from his notable career to follow), Curry went on to feature in some absolutely wonderful films like Clue (1985) and Muppet's Treasure Island (1996). He's played everyone from Mozart (in the first Broadway production of Peter Shaffer's Amadeus with Ian McKellen as Salieri and Jane Seymour as Constanze) to the devil in Ridley Scott's Legend (1985) to Cardinal Richelieu in the 1994 adaptation of The Three Musketeers. Other notable appearances include the bloody awesome Wing Commander III video game and tons of work in animation including The Wild Thornberrys, Gargoyles, and Peter Pan and the Pirates. Happy birthday, Mr. Curry!

Monday, April 9, 2012

A legendary actor of the French New Wave. Belmondo was elevated to recognition with Godard's Breathless (1960) as well as in other great Godard films such as A Woman is a Woman (1961) and Pierrot le Fou (1965). He's been best known for his roles in Leon Morin, Priest (1961) and Le Magnifique (1973). Belmondo is one of the most entertaining personalities of that great era of French cinema.

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Announced recently by the Anime News Network (and up for pre-order on bluray.com) is a very exciting upcoming release. For the 30th Anniversary of the original Macross series, Macross: Do You Remember Love? will be released on blu-ray in a collector's box edition. Even though this is a foreign release, (with probably no English subtitles) it is Region A, so the chance to own what may be my favorite animated film of all time in high definition is irresistible. Its running for what is roughly $164 but the price is definitely worth it when considering what the box set contains. Included is an immense amount of artwork featured in an archive book, some character sketches printed on separate pages, mini-posters, a reproduction of the original theatrical pamphlet and even a film clip! The Blu-ray disc itself contains several interviews and featurette's on the making of the film and its impact. Also included on its own disc is the special ending to the film done years later, Macross Flash Back 2012, part of which is in the ending of Do You Remember Love? Perfect Edition. All of this combines to make a Macross fan's dream come true, the next best thing to a release over here. Oh and there's a PlayStation 3 game based off the film included as well. But that's not my area of expertise. I will certainly be posting any and all updates on this I can find of value and especially those involving picture and audio quality. I can't wait!

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

In these great United States (and no doubt other parts of the world as well), there is a myth that permeates nearly every aspect of the societal strata. It's really more of a carefully designed con, actually, centrally based in getting as much money from consumers as possible. This fateful lie has been perpetrated for decades (now almost a century), and it has become so ingrained into our culture that even a mere reference to the contrary can be met with offended glances. What's this great lie, you ask?

Sunday, April 1, 2012

A veritable force of nature in Japanese cinema. Toshiro Mifune is known the world over by film fans because of his star making performances in many of Kurosawa's films. Stray Dog (1949), Rashomon (1950), Seven Samurai (1954), Throne of Blood (1957), Yojimbo (1961), the list goes on. He's even starred in several American productions like Hell in the Pacific (1968), where he starred opposite Lee Marvin, he played Admiral Yamamoto in Midway (1976) and was even in Spielberg's comedy 1941 (1979). From the moment he walks on screen he grabs your attention and he's certainly a star who won't be forgotten.